British Home Secretary James Cleverly has had to apologize after a bad ‘joke’. “A little rohypnol in my wife’s drink every evening is fine, as long as I don’t give too much,” he said, according to the Sunday Mirror, during a reception with journalists in Downing Street. Rohypnol is known as the date rape drug par excellence. In the meantime, the first voices are emerging demanding his resignation.
Cleverly also reportedly shared his secret to a long marriage. “Make sure your spouse is always lightly sedated. She doesn’t realize that there are better men in the world.”
The timing of the shocking statements was striking. A few hours earlier, the government had announced that spiking (the secret administration of alcohol or drugs in someone’s drink; ed.) would be punished more severely.
“Jokes are taboo”
Victims of the despicable practice could not believe their ears. “It’s simple: you don’t joke about such a subject,” says Colin Mackie. She lost her son Greg (18) after someone put too much ecstasy in his drink.
She is now chairwoman of an organization that wants to create more awareness about the phenomenon. “I call on Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to further investigate his minister’s conduct. You don’t say something like that as Minister of the Interior, and certainly not at a time when we are trying to amend the law,” he said.
“Political leaders must take action against all forms of violence against women and the hatred that accompanies it. It is crucial that the reality of so many ladies is not trivialized,” said the volunteer organization Women’s Aid on X.
“One of my top priorities”
Political colleagues also express their dissatisfaction. “Spiking has a devastating impact on the lives of young women. The minister responsible for this clearly does not seem to understand the seriousness of it,” says Yvette Cooper. She is shadow Minister of the Interior and in that position can therefore criticize Cleverly.
The minister himself only responded via a press release. “Let there be no misunderstanding about this: spiking is a serious crime. I urge possible victims to take their complaint to the police. This administration has gone further than ever before to protect the general public. Women and girls must be able to live a life without fear, that is one of my top priorities as Home Secretary.”
“Special circumstances”
Conversations at Downing Street receptions should normally remain private. The ‘Sunday Mirror’ has now made an exception to this “due to the special circumstances”.
Cleverly met his wife at university and the couple have two children. “The minister made the joke, which was clearly meant ironically, during a private moment. However, he does wish to apologize for it,” his spokesperson concluded.
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